The Nenana Ice Classic is a tradition that dates back to 1917. Several railroad engineers that were waiting for the ice to break up on the Tanana River, set a tripod out on the ice and placed bets as to the time and date that the ice would go out and the tripod with it. This tradition continues today. There are wagers placed on breakup from all over the world. The tripod going out marks the unoffical start of Spring in Alaska. This clip documents the 2009 breakup.
The tripod is connected to a tower on shore with a cable, that stops a clock and activates a siren when the ice moves.
After I helped set it up at 25 below and windy conditions, I missed that puppy by 2 hours exactly. Oh well I will get it next year. HaHa
Mostnorthern 2 years ago
Wow... fantastic footage of this event. Thank for sharing... I was there and you truly captured the magnificence of it... with great lighting and spectators... great job!
mtn56 2 years ago
This video is just great! It doesn't compare to being there though! Thanks a bunch for sharing this with us.
rebecca0669 2 years ago